In 2020, the City of Westminster retained RSG to develop recommendations based on best practices for a $375,000 small business grant program that the City launched using CARES Act funding. At the time, cities and counties were facing a need for rapid response to the economic crisis without the benefit of staffing or program guidelines. Within a few weeks, RSG developed a policy memo providing a framework for the program including funding eligibility, documentation, and marketing.
Subsequently, the City engaged RSG to assist with program design, marketing materials, application, and revenue certification forms for this Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program. RSG also conducted the lottery to determine grant recipients, and then reviewed applications and supporting documentation to verify compliance with eligibility requirements. We prepared materials in three languages in collaboration with the city (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) and conducted a virtual lottery so all parties could witness who was selected. A total of 53 businesses were awarded in the process that was concluded within 4 months of commencement.